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Ragusa MA, Naselli F, Cruciata I, Volpes S, Schimmenti C, Serio G, Mauro M, Librizzi M, Luparello C, Chiarelli R, La Rosa C, Lauria A, Gentile C, Caradonna F. Indicaxanthin Induces Autophagy in Intestinal Epithelial Cancer Cells by Epigenetic Mechanisms Involving DNA Methylation. Nutrients 2023; 15:3495. [PMID: 37571432 PMCID: PMC10420994 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Recently, the anticancer potential of autophagy inducers, including phytochemicals, was suggested. Indicaxanthin is a betalain pigment found in prickly pear fruit with antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities in colorectal cancer cells associated with epigenetic changes in selected methylation-silenced oncosuppressor genes. Here, we demonstrate that indicaxanthin induces the up-regulation of the autophagic markers LC3-II and Beclin1, and increases autophagolysosome production in Caco-2 cells. Methylomic studies showed that the indicaxanthin-induced pro-autophagic activity was associated with epigenetic changes. In addition to acting as a hypermethylating agent at the genomic level, indicaxanthin also induced significant differential methylation in 39 out of 47 autophagy-related genes, particularly those involved in the late stages of autophagy. Furthermore, in silico molecular modelling studies suggested a direct interaction of indicaxanthin with Bcl-2, which, in turn, influenced the function of Beclin1, a key autophagy regulator. External effectors, including food components, may modulate the epigenetic signature of cancer cells. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the pro-autophagic potential of indicaxanthin in human colorectal cancer cells associated with epigenetic changes and contributes to outlining its potential healthy effect in the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Flores Naselli
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Ilenia Cruciata
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Sara Volpes
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Chiara Schimmenti
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Graziella Serio
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Maurizio Mauro
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Michael F. Price Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Mariangela Librizzi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Claudio Luparello
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
- NBFC—National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Chiarelli
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Chiara La Rosa
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy;
| | - Antonino Lauria
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Carla Gentile
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Fabio Caradonna
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (F.N.); (I.C.); (S.V.); (C.S.); (G.S.); (M.L.); (C.L.); (R.C.); (A.L.); (F.C.)
- NBFC—National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
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Nicosia A, Salamone M, Costa S, Ragusa MA, Ghersi G. Mimicking Molecular Pathways in the Design of Smart Hydrogels for the Design of Vascularized Engineered Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12314. [PMID: 37569691 PMCID: PMC10418696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomaterials are pivotal in supporting and guiding vascularization for therapeutic applications. To design effective, bioactive biomaterials, understanding the cellular and molecular processes involved in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis is crucial. Biomaterial platforms can replicate the interactions between cells, the ECM, and the signaling molecules that trigger blood vessel formation. Hydrogels, with their soft and hydrated properties resembling natural tissues, are widely utilized; particularly synthetic hydrogels, known for their bio-inertness and precise control over cell-material interactions, are utilized. Naturally derived and synthetic hydrogel bases are tailored with specific mechanical properties, controlled for biodegradation, and enhanced for cell adhesion, appropriate biochemical signaling, and architectural features that facilitate the assembly and tubulogenesis of vascular cells. This comprehensive review showcases the latest advancements in hydrogel materials and innovative design modifications aimed at effectively guiding and supporting vascularization processes. Furthermore, by leveraging this knowledge, researchers can advance biomaterial design, which will enable precise support and guidance of vascularization processes and ultimately enhance tissue functionality and therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Nicosia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo la Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Monica Salamone
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo la Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (M.A.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (M.A.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (M.A.R.); (G.G.)
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Marlétaz F, Couloux A, Poulain J, Labadie K, Da Silva C, Mangenot S, Noel B, Poustka AJ, Dru P, Pegueroles C, Borra M, Lowe EK, Lhomond G, Besnardeau L, Le Gras S, Ye T, Gavriouchkina D, Russo R, Costa C, Zito F, Anello L, Nicosia A, Ragusa MA, Pascual M, Molina MD, Chessel A, Di Carlo M, Turon X, Copley RR, Exposito JY, Martinez P, Cavalieri V, Ben Tabou de Leon S, Croce J, Oliveri P, Matranga V, Di Bernardo M, Morales J, Cormier P, Geneviève AM, Aury JM, Barbe V, Wincker P, Arnone MI, Gache C, Lepage T. Analysis of the P. lividus sea urchin genome highlights contrasting trends of genomic and regulatory evolution in deuterostomes. Cell Genom 2023; 3:100295. [PMID: 37082140 PMCID: PMC10112332 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Sea urchins are emblematic models in developmental biology and display several characteristics that set them apart from other deuterostomes. To uncover the genomic cues that may underlie these specificities, we generated a chromosome-scale genome assembly for the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus and an extensive gene expression and epigenetic profiles of its embryonic development. We found that, unlike vertebrates, sea urchins retained ancestral chromosomal linkages but underwent very fast intrachromosomal gene order mixing. We identified a burst of gene duplication in the echinoid lineage and showed that some of these expanded genes have been recruited in novel structures (water vascular system, Aristotle's lantern, and skeletogenic micromere lineage). Finally, we identified gene-regulatory modules conserved between sea urchins and chordates. Our results suggest that gene-regulatory networks controlling development can be conserved despite extensive gene order rearrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinand Marlétaz
- Center for Life’s Origin & Evolution, Department of Genetics, Evolution, & Environment, University College London, WC1 6BT London, UK
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique, CNRS, Université Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France
- Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François-Jacob, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique (CEA), Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Arnaud Couloux
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique, CNRS, Université Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France
| | - Julie Poulain
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique, CNRS, Université Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France
| | - Karine Labadie
- Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François-Jacob, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique (CEA), Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France
| | - Corinne Da Silva
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique, CNRS, Université Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France
| | - Sophie Mangenot
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique, CNRS, Université Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France
| | - Benjamin Noel
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique, CNRS, Université Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France
| | - Albert J. Poustka
- Evolution and Development Group, Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Genetik, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Dahlem Center for Genome Research and Medical Systems Biology (Environmental and Phylogenomics Group), 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philippe Dru
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Cinta Pegueroles
- Institute for Research on Biodiversity (IRBio), Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marco Borra
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Elijah K. Lowe
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Guy Lhomond
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Lydia Besnardeau
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Stéphanie Le Gras
- Plateforme GenomEast, IGBMC, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illirch Cedex, France
| | - Tao Ye
- Plateforme GenomEast, IGBMC, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illirch Cedex, France
| | - Daria Gavriouchkina
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 904-0495 Onna-son, Japan
| | - Roberta Russo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina Costa
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Zito
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Letizia Anello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marta Pascual
- Institute for Research on Biodiversity (IRBio), Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M. Dolores Molina
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia, i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Biology Valrose, Université Côte d’Azur, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Aline Chessel
- Institut Biology Valrose, Université Côte d’Azur, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Marta Di Carlo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Xavier Turon
- Department of Marine Ecology, Centre d’Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB, CSIC), 17300 Blanes, Spain
| | - Richard R. Copley
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Jean-Yves Exposito
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d’Ingénierie Thérapeutique (LBTI), UMR CNRS 5305, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Université Lyon 1, 69367 Lyon, France
| | - Pedro Martinez
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia, i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Smadar Ben Tabou de Leon
- Department of Marine Biology, Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 31095 Haifa, Israel
| | - Jenifer Croce
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Paola Oliveri
- Center for Life’s Origin & Evolution, Department of Genetics, Evolution, & Environment, University College London, WC1 6BT London, UK
| | - Valeria Matranga
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Di Bernardo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Farmacologia Traslazionale, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Julia Morales
- Integrative Biology of Marine Models (LBI2M), Station Biologique de Roscoff, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 29680 Roscoff, France
| | - Patrick Cormier
- Integrative Biology of Marine Models (LBI2M), Station Biologique de Roscoff, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 29680 Roscoff, France
| | - Anne-Marie Geneviève
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Biologie Intégrative des Organismes Marins, BIOM, 66650 Banyuls/Mer, France
| | - Jean Marc Aury
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique, CNRS, Université Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France
| | - Valérie Barbe
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique, CNRS, Université Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France
| | - Patrick Wincker
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique, CNRS, Université Évry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France
| | - Maria Ina Arnone
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Christian Gache
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Thierry Lepage
- Institut Biology Valrose, Université Côte d’Azur, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
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Costa S, Ragusa MA, Lo Buglio G, Scilabra SD, Nicosia A. The Repertoire of Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteases: Evolution, Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis, Engineering and Therapeutic Challenges. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12081145. [PMID: 36013323 PMCID: PMC9409782 DOI: 10.3390/life12081145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) belong to a fascinating protein family expressed in all Metazoa. They act as regulators of the turnover of the extracellular matrix, and they are consistently involved in essential processes. Herein, we recapitulate the main activities of mammalian TIMPs (TIMP1-4) in the control of extracellular-matrix degradation and pathologies associated with aberrant proteostasis. We delineate the activity of TIMPs in the control of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis and discuss the diversity of TIMPs across metazoans taking into account the emergence of the components of the ECM during evolution. Thus, the TIMP repertoire herein analysed includes the homologues from cnidarians, which are coeval with the origins of ECM components; protostomes (molluscs, arthropods and nematodes); and deuterostomes (echinoderms and vertebrates). Several questions, including the maintenance of the structure despite low sequence similarity and the strategies for TIMP engineering, shed light on the possibility to use recombinant TIMPs integrating unique features and binding selectivity for therapeutic applications in the treatment of inflammatory pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Costa
- Department of “Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche” (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (M.A.R.); (G.L.B.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of “Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche” (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (M.A.R.); (G.L.B.)
| | - Gabriele Lo Buglio
- Department of “Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche” (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (M.A.R.); (G.L.B.)
| | - Simone Dario Scilabra
- Proteomics Group of Fondazione Ri.MED, Research Department IRCCS ISMETT, Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, Via E. Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation—National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Masullo T, Biondo G, Natale MD, Tagliavia M, Bennici CD, Musco M, Ragusa MA, Costa S, Cuttitta A, Nicosia A. Gene Expression Changes after Parental Exposure to Metals in the Sea Urchin Affect Timing of Genetic Programme of Embryo Development. Biology (Basel) 2021; 10:biology10020103. [PMID: 33535713 PMCID: PMC7912929 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that phenotypic traits can be modulated at the epigenetic level so that some conditions can affect the progeny of exposed individuals. To assess if the exposure of adult animals could result in effects on the offspring, the Mediterranean sea urchin and its well-characterized gene regulatory networks (GRNs) was chosen as a model. Adult animals were exposed to known concentrations of zinc and cadmium (both individually and in combination) for 10 days, and the resulting embryos were followed during the development. The oxidative stress occurring in parental gonads, embryo phenotypes and mortality, and the expression level of a set of selected genes, including members of the skeletogenic and endodermal GRNs, were evaluated. Increased oxidative stress at F0, high rates of developmental aberration with impaired gastrulation, in association to deregulation of genes involved in skeletogenesis (dri, hex, sm50, p16, p19, msp130), endodermal specification (foxa, hox11/13b, wnt8) and epigenetic regulation (kat2A, hdac1, ehmt2, phf8 and UBE2a) occurred either at 24 or 48 hpf. Results strongly indicate that exposure to environmental pollutants can affect not only directly challenged animals but also their progeny (at least F1), influencing optimal timing of genetic programme of embryo development, resulting in an overall impairment of developmental success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Masullo
- Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean-National Research Council (ISMED-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 65, 90145 Palermo, Italy; (T.M.); (M.D.N.); (C.D.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Girolama Biondo
- Institute for Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAS-CNR), Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare 3, 91021 Campobello di Mazara, Italy;
| | - Marilena Di Natale
- Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean-National Research Council (ISMED-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 65, 90145 Palermo, Italy; (T.M.); (M.D.N.); (C.D.B.); (M.M.)
- Department of Earth and Marine Science (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 20, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marcello Tagliavia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council-(IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Carmelo Daniele Bennici
- Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean-National Research Council (ISMED-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 65, 90145 Palermo, Italy; (T.M.); (M.D.N.); (C.D.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Marianna Musco
- Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean-National Research Council (ISMED-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 65, 90145 Palermo, Italy; (T.M.); (M.D.N.); (C.D.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Angela Cuttitta
- Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean-National Research Council (ISMED-CNR), Detached Unit of Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore 65, 90145 Palermo, Italy; (T.M.); (M.D.N.); (C.D.B.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council-(IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.N.)
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Di Natale M, Bennici C, Biondo G, Masullo T, Monastero C, Tagliavia M, Torri M, Costa S, Ragusa MA, Cuttitta A, Nicosia A. Aberrant gene expression profiles in Mediterranean sea urchin reproductive tissues after metal exposures. Chemosphere 2019; 216:48-58. [PMID: 30359916 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.10.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Marine organisms are simultaneously exposed to numerous pollutants, among which metals probably represent the most abundant in marine environments. In order to evaluate the effects of metal exposure at molecular level in reproductive tissues, we profiled the sea urchin transcriptional response after non-lethal exposures using pathway-focused mRNA expression analyses. Herein, we show that exposures to relatively high concentrations of both essential and toxic metals hugely affected the gonadic expression of several genes involved in stress-response, detoxification, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, without significant changes in gonadosomatic indices. Even though treatments did not result in reproductive tissues visible alterations, metal exposures negatively affected the main mechanisms of stress-response, detoxification and survival of adult P. lividus. Additionally, transcriptional changes observed in P. lividus gonads may cause altered gametogenesis and maintenance of heritable aberrant epigenetic effects. This study leads to the conclusion that exposures to metals, as usually occurs in polluted coastal areas, may affect sea urchin gametogenesis, thus supporting the hypothesis that parental exposure to environmental stressors affects the phenotype of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Di Natale
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Carmelo Bennici
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Girolama Biondo
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Masullo
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Calogera Monastero
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Marcello Tagliavia
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Marco Torri
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Angela Cuttitta
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- National Research Council-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
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Nicosia A, Bennici C, Biondo G, Costa S, Di Natale M, Masullo T, Monastero C, Ragusa MA, Tagliavia M, Cuttitta A. Characterization of Translationally Controlled Tumour Protein from the Sea Anemone Anemonia viridis and Transcriptome Wide Identification of Cnidarian Homologues. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9010030. [PMID: 29324689 PMCID: PMC5793182 DOI: 10.3390/genes9010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene family encoding translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) is defined as highly conserved among organisms; however, there is limited knowledge of non-bilateria. In this study, the first TCTP homologue from anthozoan was characterised in the Mediterranean Sea anemone, Anemonia viridis. The release of the genome sequence of Acropora digitifera, Exaiptasia pallida, Nematostella vectensis and Hydra vulgaris enabled a comprehensive study of the molecular evolution of TCTP family among cnidarians. A comparison among TCTP members from Cnidaria and Bilateria showed conserved intron exon organization, evolutionary conserved TCTP signatures and 3D protein structure. The pattern of mRNA expression profile was also defined in A. viridis. These analyses revealed a constitutive mRNA expression especially in tissues with active proliferation. Additionally, the transcriptional profile of A. viridis TCTP (AvTCTP) after challenges with different abiotic/biotic stresses showed induction by extreme temperatures, heavy metals exposure and immune stimulation. These results suggest the involvement of AvTCTP in the sea anemone defensome taking part in environmental stress and immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Nicosia
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Carmelo Bennici
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Girolama Biondo
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Marilena Di Natale
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Masullo
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Calogera Monastero
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Marcello Tagliavia
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Angela Cuttitta
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via del mare, 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
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Bonura A, Di Blasi D, Barletta B, Butteroni C, Corinti S, Gervasi F, Melis MR, Uasuf C, Ragusa MA, Fabio C, Di Felice G, Colombo P. Modulating allergic response by engineering the major Parietaria allergens. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 141:1142-1144.e3. [PMID: 29221712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bonura
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Di Blasi
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Bianca Barletta
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Butteroni
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Corinti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Gervasi
- U.O.S.D. Laboratorio Specialistico Oncologia, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Raphael Melis
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carina Uasuf
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cibella Fabio
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Felice
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy.
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Cuttitta A, Ragusa MA, Costa S, Bennici C, Colombo P, Mazzola S, Gianguzza F, Nicosia A. Evolutionary conserved mechanisms pervade structure and transcriptional modulation of allograft inflammatory factor-1 from sea anemone Anemonia viridis. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2017; 67:86-94. [PMID: 28579525 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene family encoding allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) is well conserved among organisms; however, there is limited knowledge in lower organisms. In this study, the first AIF-1 homologue from cnidarians was identified and characterised in the sea anemone Anemonia viridis. The full-length cDNA of AvAIF-1 was of 913 bp with a 5' -untranslated region (UTR) of 148 bp, a 3'-UTR of 315 and an open reading frame (ORF) of 450 bp encoding a polypeptide with149 amino acid residues and predicted molecular weight of about 17 kDa. The predicted protein possesses evolutionary conserved EF hand Ca2+ binding motifs, post-transcriptional modification sites and a 3D structure which can be superimposed with human members of AIF-1 family. The AvAIF-1 transcript was constitutively expressed in all tested tissues of unchallenged sea anemone, suggesting that AvAIF-1 could serve as a general protective factor under normal physiological conditions. Moreover, we profiled the transcriptional activation of AvAIF-1 after challenges with different abiotic/biotic stresses showing induction by warming conditions, heavy metals exposure and immune stimulation. Thus, mechanisms associated to inflammation and immune challenges up-regulated AvAIF-1 mRNA levels. Our results suggest its involvement in the inflammatory processes and immune response of A. viridis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cuttitta
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via mare del Sud, 3, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Carmelo Bennici
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via mare del Sud, 3, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Istituto di Biomedicina e di Immunologia Molecolare - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa, 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Mazzola
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via mare del Sud, 3, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gianguzza
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Via mare del Sud, 3, 91021, Torretta Granitola (TP), Sicily, Italy.
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Ragusa MA, Costa S, Cuttitta A, Gianguzza F, Nicosia A. Coexposure to sulfamethoxazole and cadmium impairs development and attenuates transcriptional response in sea urchin embryo. Chemosphere 2017; 180:275-284. [PMID: 28411544 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Among sulfonamides, sulfamethoxazole represents one of the most widely employed. A considerable amount of sulfamethoxazole is introduced into the marine environment after utilization in aquaculture. The cytotoxicity of sulfamethoxazole relies mainly on arylhydroxylamine metabolites and it is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species. Cadmium represents a metal largely employed in several anthropic activities and it is toxic for all living organisms even at low concentrations. Since it is not degraded, cadmium irreversibly accumulates into cells. In order to understand the mechanisms of response to changes in the chemical environment, we investigated by light microscopy observations and RT-qPCR assays the impact of sulfamethoxazole and cadmium in P. lividus sea urchin embryos. During development, embryos were exposed to sulfamethoxazole amount comparable to that usually used in aquaculture procedures and/or sublethal levels of cadmium chloride. Impairment of development and biomarkers for inflammation, detoxification, metal scavenging and cell death were inspected. Even though treatment with sulfamethoxazole apparently did not affect development, it stimulated a remarkable molecular response to oxidative stress. Moreover, combined exposure seriously compromised development and the defense mechanisms to cadmium were blocked. This study leads to the conclusion that coexposure to sulfamethoxazole and cadmium induces neutralizing effects on sea urchin embryos. Thus, in marine areas nearby aquaculture farms, where sulfamethoxazole discharge represents an important environmental contaminant, cadmium occurrence may alter population dynamics of P. lividus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Angela Cuttitta
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Gianguzza
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy.
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11
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Nicosia A, Costa S, Tagliavia M, Maggio T, Salamone M, Adamo G, Ragusa MA, Bennici C, Masullo T, Mazzola S, Gianguzza F, Cuttitta A. The nucleic acid-binding protein PcCNBP is transcriptionally regulated during the immune response in red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. Cell Stress Chaperones 2016; 21:535-46. [PMID: 26939892 PMCID: PMC4837176 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-016-0681-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene family encoding cellular nucleic acid binding proteins (CNBP) is well conserved among vertebrates; however, there is limited knowledge in lower organisms. In this study, a CNBP homolog from the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii was characterised. The full-length cDNA of PcCNBP was of 1257 bp with a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 63 bp and a 3'-UTR of 331 bp with a poly (A) tail, and an open-reading frame (ORF) of 864 bp encoding a polypeptide of 287 amino acids with the predicted molecular weight of about 33 kDa. The predicted protein possesses 7 tandem repeats of 14 amino acids containing the CCHC zinc finger consensus sequence, two RGG-rich single-stranded RNA-binding domain and a nuclear localization signal, strongly suggesting that PcCNBP was a homolog of vertebrate CNBP. The PcCNBP transcript was constitutively expressed in all tested tissues of unchallenged crayfish, including hepatopancreas, gill, eyestalk, haemocytes, intestine, stomach and cuticle with highest expression in haemocytes, intestine, gills and hepatopancreas. The mRNA expression of PcCNBP in haemocytes was modulated at transcriptional level by different immune challenges, suggesting its involvement in the immune response of P. clarkii during both bacteria and viruses infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Nicosia
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR) Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Marcello Tagliavia
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR) Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy
| | - Teresa Maggio
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research-ISPRA, Palermo, 90143, Italy
| | - Monica Salamone
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR) Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy
| | - Giorgia Adamo
- Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Carmelo Bennici
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR) Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy
| | - Tiziana Masullo
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR) Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy
| | - Salvatore Mazzola
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR) Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gianguzza
- Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Angela Cuttitta
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR) Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy.
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Ragusa MA, Costa S, Gianguzza M, Roccheri MC, Gianguzza F. Effects of cadmium exposure on sea urchin development assessed by SSH and RT-qPCR: metallothionein genes and their differential induction. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 40:2157-67. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2275-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Emanuele M, Costa S, Ragusa MA, Gianguzza F. Chromatin dynamics of the developmentally regulated P. lividus neural alpha tubulin gene. Int J Dev Biol 2011; 55:591-6. [PMID: 21948706 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.103264me] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Over 40 years ago, Allfrey and colleagues (1964) suggested that two histone modifications, namely acetylation and methylation, might regulate RNA synthesis. Nowadays it is universally accepted that activation of gene expression strictly depends on enzymatic mechanisms able to dynamically modify chromatin structure. Here, using techniques including DNaseI hypersensitive site analysis, chomatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative PCR analysis, we have analyzed the dynamics of histone post-translation modifications involved in developmentally/spatially controlled activation of the sea urchin PlTalpha2 tubulin gene. We have demonstrated that only when the PlTalpha2 core promoter chromatin is acetylated on H3K9, tri-methylated on H3K4 and not di-methylated on H3K27, RNA pol II can be enrolled. In contrast, we have shown that when chromatin is methylated both on H3K9 (me2/3) and H3K27 (me2) and mono methylated on H3K4 the promoter is not accessible to RNA pol II. Our results suggest that, during P. lividus embryogenesis, both HAT/HDAC and HMT/HDM activities, which are able to regulate accessibility of the PlTalpha2 basal promoter to RNA polymerase II, are coordinately switched-on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Emanuele
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Molecolari e Biomolecolari, Università di Palermo, Italy
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Costa S, Ragusa MA, Drago G, Casano C, Alaimo G, Guida N, Gianguzza F. Sea urchin neural alpha2 tubulin gene: isolation and promoter analysis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 316:446-53. [PMID: 15020238 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.02.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2004] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Expression of Talpha2 gene, during sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus development, is spatially and temporally regulated. In order to characterize this gene, we isolated the relevant genomic sequences and scanned the isolated 5'-flanking region in searching for cis-regulatory elements required for proper expression. Gel mobility shift and footprinting assays, as well as reporter gene (CAT and beta-gal) expression assays, were used to address cis-regulatory elements involved in regulation. Here we report that an upstream 5'-flanking fragment of PlTalpha2 gene drives temporal expression of reporter genes congruent with that of endogenous Talpha2 gene. The fragment contains cis-elements able to bind nuclear proteins from the gastrula stage (at which the Talpha2 gene is expressed) whose sequences could be consistent with the consensus sequences for transcription factors present in data bank.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Costa
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo (Alberto Monroy), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Parco D'Orleans, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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15
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Gianguzza F, Antonietta Ragusa M, Roccheri MC, Liegro ID, Rinaldi AM. Isolation and characterization of a Paracentrotus lividus cDNA encoding a stress-inducible chaperonin. Cell Stress Chaperones 2000; 5:87-9. [PMID: 11147969 PMCID: PMC312894 DOI: 10.1379/1466-1268(2000)005<0087:iacoap>2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chaperonins are ubiquitous proteins that facilitate protein folding in an adenosine triphosphate-dependent manner. Here we report the isolation of a sea urchin cDNA (Plhsp60) coding for mitochondrial chaperonin (Cpn60), whose basal expression is further enhanced by heat shock. The described cDNA corresponds to a full-length mRNA encoding a protein of 582 amino acids, the first 32 of which constitute a putative mitochondrial targeting leader sequence. Comparative analysis has demonstrated that this protein is highly conserved in evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Gianguzza
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo ‘A. Monroy,’ viale delle Scienze, Parco d'Orleans, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo ‘A. Monroy,’ viale delle Scienze, Parco d'Orleans, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Roccheri
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo ‘A. Monroy,’ viale delle Scienze, Parco d'Orleans, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo ‘A. Monroy,’ viale delle Scienze, Parco d'Orleans, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Rinaldi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo ‘A. Monroy,’ viale delle Scienze, Parco d'Orleans, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence to: Anna Maria Rinaldi, Tel: +39 (0)91 424720/424730/424732; Fax: +39 (0)91 420897/424337;
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